Residents evacuated after replica weapons find

Residents were evacuated from their homes in Bryanston Street for more than nine hours

Residents were evacuated from their homes for much of Friday after replica weapons were found inside a property in Dorset.

Police said they were called to Bryanston Street in Blandford Forum at about 10:00 GMT and the Army's Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team carried out an assessment.

As a precaution, a cordon was put in place, which included homes and nearby roads, and people were allowed to return at about 19:30.

Dorset Police said "replica weapons that are believed to be decommissioned and therefore not a risk to the public" were found.

"This incident involved a multi-agency response and we are grateful to the Army's EOD team, other emergency services and local authority colleagues for supporting us," Det Supt Neil Wright said.

"A number of residents were evacuated while we assessed the items, which included a range of items and replica weapons that are believed to be decommissioned and therefore not a risk to the public.

"Residents were able to return home at around 19.30 and I would like to thank them and the wider Blandford community for their patience and understanding while we worked to keep them safe."

He said an investigation was under way and police enquires would continue over the weekend.